The European Commission adopted its Work Programme for 2015 – setting out the actions the Commission intends to take over the next 12 months to make a real difference for jobs, growth and investment and bring concrete benefits for citizens. This is an agenda for change. Citizens want less EU interference in their daily lives, especially where Member States are better placed to act and provide solutions.

The General Affairs Council meeting on 16 December adopted conclusions on the EU enlargement process and on the role of the Council in safeguarding rule of law. It also dealt with preparations for the upcoming European Council.

The European Commission has concluded that the restructuring plan of the Slovene Banka Celje d.d. and its merger with Abanka Vipa d.d. was in line with EU state aid rules. The Commission found in particular that the restructuring plan ensures the viability of the merged entity in the long term without requiring further state support.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a report on the findings of its investigation into the way credit rating agencies (CRA) conduct surveillance of their structured finance credit ratings. The investigation, which took place between October 2013 and September 2014, was prompted by the

Small and medium businesses inAustralia are being encouraged to explore exciting new export opportunities made possible by the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA), which entered into force. Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb together with Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson, explained the